Overview
- Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix said on a podcast that the league could rule Kawhi Leonard’s contract invalid and void it, describing the case as a constant topic among team and league officials.
- The NBA’s investigation, run by law firm Wachtell Lipton since September 2025, remains open and has not produced a public ruling.
- The case centers on a reported $28 million endorsement from the now‑bankrupt sponsor Aspiration that critics say acted as off‑books pay to dodge salary‑cap rules.
- If investigators find violations, the CBA allows penalties that include voiding the deal, fines up to $7.5 million, loss of first‑round picks, and suspensions, which could put a reported $50.3 million season at risk for Leonard.
- Leonard and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer deny wrongdoing, while observers point to the 2000 Joe Smith ruling as a guide for possible voided contracts and heavy team sanctions.